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The Weimaraner presents a picture of grac, speed, stamina, alertness and balance. His greatest single characteristic is his adaptability as a versatile hunting dog, as he is able to point, retrieve, track and hold at bay. Affectionately known as the ‘grey ghost’, the Weimaraner is a loving family dog. It comes in two coat types — short-haired and long haired.

ORIGIN
It is likely that hunting dogs were the earliest specialised breed known to man. This fact can be aptly applied to the grey pointers of Weimar. While the origin of the Weimaraner is largely unknown — and is the cause of much speculation — the breed is at least three hundred years old. A Van Dyke painting of the early 1600s featured a Weimaraner-type dog, although the breed somewhat resembled a hound at that time.

Grey hunting dogs were popular in Germany and often used for tracking and hunting large game, including bears, wolves and big cats. As big game numbers dwindled, hunters crossed the dogs with “bird” dogs to improve the breed’s wing ability. A tough, able hunter was produced to form a most passionate gundog.

In the nineteenth century, noblemen adopted the breed, naming it the Weimar Pointer. They jealously guarded the breed, mating only the best examples. Modern Weimaraners are used to hunt duck, quail, snipe, pheasant, rabbit, hare, fox, wild pigs and deer — a definite all-rounder.

GENERAL APPEARANCE
Weimaraners are upstanding, aristocratic and proud. They are well muscled without being cumbersome, neither too coarse nor too fine. Their intelligent expression can be seen in the amber coloured eyes. The ears are broad and rather long.

Weimaraners look balanced and, when on the move, their topline is level and strong. When gaiting rapidly, the legs converge but do not single track. The short-haired Weimaraner has a strong, dense, sleek topcoat, while the long-haired has a soft, long topcoat, with or without undercoat. Colour is silver, roe deer or mouse-grey. The head and ears are usually a little lighter in colour.

SIZE
Dogs measure 59 to 70cm and weigh about 30 — 40kg, bitches 57 to 65cm, 25 to 35kg.

TEMPERAMENT
Totally devoted to their owners, Weimaraners can be aloof, cool, almost snobbish towards strangers. They are highly intelligent and feel they are — and should be — part of a family. Weimaraners are best suited to this role.

CARE AND GROOMING
Weimaraners retain their glossy appearance when brushed twice a week and every second day during coat changes. A balanced diet and daily exercise will keep them healthy and fit.

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